A meeting of virtuosi
Date
1827
Creator
Allen Robert Branston (1778 - 1827, British) , Printmaker
Object type
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 68mm
width (print): 92mm
width (print): 92mm
Subject
Description
Humorous reconstruction of a seventeenth century meeting of the Royal Society, inspired by Samuel Butler’s satirical poem, ‘The elephant in the moon’ (written c.1670).
The interior shows a group of natural philosophers gathered around a covered table, in the process of observing the Moon (visible through a window) using a telescope being held by a young footman. A mouse can be seen sitting in the telescope tube. Above, a stuffed crocodile hangs from the ceiling on suspended chandelier with candles.
Vignette from the title page of The genuine poetical remains of Samuel Butler. With notes by Robert Thyer (London, Joseph Booker, 1827).
Inscribed: ‘Branston’ within the design.
Samuel Butler (bap.1613, d.1680) British poet, author of Hudibras (1663-).
Robert Thyer (bap.1709, d.1781) British librarian and literary editor, including of Butler’s works.
The interior shows a group of natural philosophers gathered around a covered table, in the process of observing the Moon (visible through a window) using a telescope being held by a young footman. A mouse can be seen sitting in the telescope tube. Above, a stuffed crocodile hangs from the ceiling on suspended chandelier with candles.
Vignette from the title page of The genuine poetical remains of Samuel Butler. With notes by Robert Thyer (London, Joseph Booker, 1827).
Inscribed: ‘Branston’ within the design.
Samuel Butler (bap.1613, d.1680) British poet, author of Hudibras (1663-).
Robert Thyer (bap.1709, d.1781) British librarian and literary editor, including of Butler’s works.
Associated place